Honda and Nissan Join Hands to Develop Electric Vehicles, Set to Take on Chinese EV Supremacy?

China is one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, as evidenced by industry reports. In a bid to take on Chinese rivals, the two most well-known Japanese automakers —Honda and Nissan —have teamed up to explore co-development of electric vehicles and other related products. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two corporations states that they will study the possibility of forging a strategic partnership in the fields of intelligence and vehicle electrification. 

The partnership will encompass a feasibility assessment of vehicle software platforms, essential EV components, and additional items. Although the Japanese automakers haven't made many announcements, it looks like the collaboration will lead to a shared platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, which they will use to construct their cars. The joint venture between these two companies aims to lower the cost of electric vehicles and compete with Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD and more.

While commenting on the collaboration, Makoto Uchida, president, and CEO, said ‘’ “It is important to prepare for the increasing pace of transformation in mobility in the mid-to-long-term, and it is significant that we have reached this agreement based on a mutual understanding that Honda and Nissan face common challenges. We look forward to further discussions and aim to find win-wins for sustainable growth.”

Toshihiro Mibe, Honda director, president, and representative executive officer, commented, “In this period of once-in-a-century transformation in the automotive industry, we will examine the potential for partnership between Nissan and Honda.’’

He added ‘’Our study criteria will be whether the synergy of the technologies and knowledge that our companies have cultivated will enable us to become industry leaders by creating new value for the automotive industry.”

Notably, Nissan and Honda are among a handful of well-known carmakers in the country that have not yet ventured into the electric vehicle market. While Nissan is planning four new models for our market, including an entry-level hatchback that is based on the CMF-AEV platform, Honda is anticipated to debut its electric Elevate in the Indian market probably next year.

Sony-Honda Afeela EV

Sony Honda Mobility, a collaboration between the technological behemoth and the Japanese automaker, revealed an upgraded Afeela electric prototype at CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in January this year. The main highlight of the event was a PS5 controller driving the prototype. However, it's vital to note that the move to use the PS5 controller to call the vehicle on stage was just a marketing strategy and not a feature. The prototype's revised front bumper, slender headlights, and extended snout with a built-in digital display are among its most obvious design enhancements.